Underrated Free Agent Defenseman Linked to Maple Leafs as Potential Fit
Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs could absolutely use upcoming free agent defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who has been recently linked to the team in reports.
If the Maple Leafs really want to make a change next season and inject some more toughness and hard work into their defensive corps, they should seriously take a look at trying to sign Ryan Lindgren, who is a pending free agent come July 1.
Ryan Lindgren a potential under the radar target for Maple Leafs: Analyst
Per analyst Ben Steitzer of The Leafs Nation, Lindgren makes perfect sense for the Maple Leafs due to his price, relative youth, and his ability to give the team a chance to fill in some other holes:
Lindgren checks three key boxes for the Maple Leafs. He's potentially affordable, he's younger than their current defensive group, and he fits the direction they are going in.
What he doesn't do is bring the coveted right shot, he doesn't have a heavy point shot, and he doesn't generate offence.
He's not perfect, but in a limited free agent market, he might be one of the better options that allow the Leafs to explore additional upgrades rather than going all-in on more player. - Ben Steitzer
What he doesn't do is bring the coveted right shot, he doesn't have a heavy point shot, and he doesn't generate offence.
He's not perfect, but in a limited free agent market, he might be one of the better options that allow the Leafs to explore additional upgrades rather than going all-in on more player. - Ben Steitzer
There's certainly a lot to appreciate about Lindgren, but would he really fit in with the team's new identity?
Ryan Lindgren a perfect low-risk defensive option for Brad Treliving
Not the flashiest name available come July 1, Brad Treliving would be hard-pressed to find as sneaky a player as Lindgren.
Lindgren, 27, is a shutdown defender who excels at keeping opponents at bay while creating offense through his ability to disrupt others.
His performance took a hit from 2023-2025, but improved once he got traded to Colorado, and settled into a solid third-line role with the Avalanche where he seemed comfortable.
He does offer a bit of offensive production with 109 points in 405 games (15G, 94A) though he doesn't have a big booming shot or playmaking prowess, he tends to let his offense do their thing and take what comes to him.
Lindgren also fits the bill when it comes to the size and physicality aspect of both Brad Treliving and Craig Berube's lineup. He's only 6'0 but plays bigger than his size, and averages 84 hits per season.
Perhaps Lindgren is something of a low-end version of Tanev who could be a shutdown defender to complement Benoit's aggressive style on the third pair, and not cost a ton either.
He made $4.5M last year, and with his combination of youth, experience and potential to settle into a serious role player with the team should make a similar contract feasible.
Let's say it takes a four-year, $21M deal. That helps solidify your defense for the next few years until the new crop of kids are ready to take over, and truly give the team time to grow and get even better and there's no revolving door of talent.
That's certainly cheap enough for Brad Treliving, and if he's thinking of changing the DNA of the team: Lindgren injects some extra life into the defense department and growing it even stronger.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 1 | 495 ANSWERS Underrated Free Agent Defenseman Linked to Maple Leafs as Potential Fit Do you think the Maple Leafs need to try and sign Ryan Lindgren? | ||
| Yes | 226 | 45.7 % |
| No | 269 | 54.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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